Overview
Beijing is one of the world's great cities — a sprawling, layered metropolis where imperial palaces sit alongside buzzing hutong alleyways and cutting-edge architecture. As China's capital and cultural heartbeat, it draws millions of visitors each year with good reason. Whether you're chasing history, street food, or a glimpse into modern China, Beijing delivers on every front.
Beijing sits in northern China and enjoys four distinct seasons. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots for travel — mild temperatures and lower humidity make sightseeing far more comfortable. The city runs on the Chinese yuan (CNY), and most major attractions accept mobile payments, though having some cash is always wise.
Top 10 Things To Do in Beijing
- Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu: Skip the overcrowded Badaling section and head to Mutianyu, about 90 minutes from the city centre. The scenery is stunning, the crowds are manageable, and you can take a toboggan ride back down. There is an entry fee. Go early on weekdays for the best experience.
- Explore the Forbidden City: The former imperial palace is simply unmissable. Allow at least three to four hours to wander its 980 rooms and vast courtyards. Book tickets online in advance — they often sell out, especially on weekends. There is an entry fee.
- Stroll Tiananmen Square at sunrise: One of the largest public squares in the world feels genuinely different at dawn, before the tour groups arrive. It's free to enter and the flag-raising ceremony is a powerful sight to witness.
- Get lost in the Hutongs: The ancient alleyway neighbourhoods of Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai are Beijing's soul. Rent a bike and explore at your own pace — duck into teahouses, browse independent shops, and grab jianbing (savoury crepes) from street vendors.
- Visit the Temple of Heaven: This stunning Ming-dynasty complex in the south of the city is where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The surrounding park fills every morning with locals doing tai chi, playing cards, and practising ballroom dancing — a genuinely charming local experience. There is an entry fee.
- Browse the 798 Art District: Located in the northeast of the city, this former military factory complex has transformed into Beijing's most vibrant art scene. Galleries, studios, coffee shops, and street art fill the industrial spaces. Entry to the district is free, though individual galleries may charge.
- Eat your way through Wangfujing Snack Street: For adventurous eaters, this famous street market near the city centre offers everything from Peking duck wraps to more exotic skewers. It's touristy, but undeniably fun — a proper snack crawl costs little.
- Climb Jingshan Hill for the perfect panorama: This small but perfectly positioned park sits directly north of the Forbidden City. Climb to the central pavilion for a breathtaking aerial view of the palace complex. There is a small entry fee — one of Beijing's best-value experiences.
- Visit the Summer Palace: Emperor Qianlong's lakeside retreat on the western edge of the city is one of China's most beautiful garden complexes. Rent a rowing boat on Kunming Lake in summer or visit in autumn when the foliage turns golden. There is an entry fee.
- Catch a Peking Opera performance: For a taste of traditional Chinese theatre, head to the Liyuan Theatre inside the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel. Evening performances are visually spectacular even without understanding Mandarin. Check current prices for tickets, which include subtitles.
Practical Tips
- Download a VPN before arrival — Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are all blocked in China.
- Use the Beijing subway to get around. It's clean, efficient, and cheap — most journeys are inexpensive. The Airport Express connects Terminal 3 to the city in about 25 minutes — check the current fare on the operator's website.
- Get a WeChat account set up before you travel — locals use it for everything from maps to payments.
- Air quality can vary. Check the AQI daily and carry a pollution mask if you're sensitive to smog, particularly in winter.
- Learn a few Mandarin phrases — locals genuinely appreciate the effort, and menus outside tourist areas are often Chinese-only.
Getting There
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the busiest airports in Asia and well connected to most major global hubs. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow (approximately 10 hours), Los Angeles (approximately 12 hours), and Sydney (approximately 12 hours). Airlines including Air China, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific serve the route regularly. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) also handles growing international traffic and is connected to the city via a dedicated express rail line.
Accommodation Options
Budget: The Dongcheng and Gulou hutong areas have excellent hostels and guesthouses at budget prices. Leo Hostel near Tiananmen is a long-standing traveller favourite.
Mid-range: The Chongwen and Sanlitun neighbourhoods offer solid 4-star hotels at mid-range prices, many with rooftop restaurants and easy subway access.